Watch Birmingham high schools in doc ‘Our Mockingbird’
By Wade KwonAuthor Lee to roll out ‘Mockingbird’ sequel book in July
Video: “Our Mockingbird”
Sandra Jaffe’s documentary “Our Mockingbird” made a national TV debut Tuesday. The timing couldn’t have been better.
Readers worldwide rejoiced at the same-day announcement that reclusive author Harper Lee had long ago penned a sequel to “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The new book, “Go Set a Watchman,” arrives July 14 with 2 million copies.
While the title is already a best-seller, several writers have raised concerns about the book’s timing and Lee’s health. A Jezebel essay mentions:
“Harper Lee’s sister Alice Lee, who ferociously protected Harper Lee’s estate (and person) from unwanted outside attention as a lawyer and advocate for decades, passed away late last year, leaving the intensely private author (who herself is reportedly in ill health) vulnerable to people who may not have her best interests at heart.”
The Associated Press reports Lee’s condition at her sister’s November funeral:
“Grieving, ill and seated in a wheelchair, Lee talked loudly to herself at awkward times during the service for her beloved older sister and attorney, Alice, according to two family friends who attended the November service. Lee mumbled in a manner that shocked some in attendance, said one of the friends.”
Such is the passion over the author and her beloved 1960 novel.
The documentary features two Birmingham-area schools putting on a stage version of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Jaffe, the filmmaker, hails from Mountain Brook.
The movie streams online till March 6.
President Bush awards the Presidential Medal
of Freedom to Harper Lee in 2007.
